Woodward says United’s budget aiming for top three finish

Manchester United have set a target of finishing in the top three of the Premier League this season, the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has revealed.

Woodward said a top-three finish was what club chiefs had budgeted for this season — and he also played down the possibility of further new signings in January to boost Louis van Gaal’s squad.

He said the club are “at the start of something special” under van Gaal, despite admitting income will fall by up to £48 million (€60m) as the price for missing out on Europe.